Gold $1 law left eagle off design

The law of March 3, 1849 creating the coin specifically deleted the eagle requirement. The same legal sidestep has been used for a number of coins since then.

While examining my Washington commemorative halves, I found two sets of initials. What do they stand for?

The “E.J.” stands for Elizabeth Jones on both obverse and reverse. The “M.P.” is for Matthew Peloso, an assistant sculptor-engraver who did the plaster model for the reverse of the 1982 commemorative.

Are old stock certificates worth anything?

Depending on interest and rarity, they do have collector value, if they have been canceled. Otherwise they should be checked for mergers, a new company name, etc.

Quickly, easily and accurately determine the bullion value for U.S. and Canadian gold coins

How many different countries have issued coins?

In modern times, since about 1700, the Standard Catalog of World Coins figure is about 1,400. This includes cities, states, provinces and other political entities.

Please explain the “full bell lines” on the Franklin halves.

There are seven lines across the Liberty Bell: three near the bottom of the bell and four more just above. A fully struck coin will show all seven lines without any interruption all the way across the bell.

Why will my metal detector scream at aluminum foil but only blip on a coin?

It has to do with the surface area and the reflective power of aluminum foil. This was more of a problem with the older detectors. More recent models can “tune out” foil and can tabs, and can even tell you how deep to dig.

What was the cost of the 1970s restoration of the old San Francisco Mint?

It cost more than $5 million in private funding. The original building cost only $2,130,512 in 1874.

I know the first strike of the 1892 Columbia Exposition commemoratives was given special treatment, but how about the 1893 date?

The Remington Typewriter Co. paid $10,000 for the first 1892 commemorative, now in the Field Museum in Chicago. It got all the publicity, but the Chicago Historical Society owns the first 1893 strike.

Why is Philippines spelled “Filipinas” on recent coins?

“Filipinas” is the spelling in the native Tagalog language. When the Philippines gained independence, they removed English from their coins and substituted Tagalog.

Weren’t there some dimes that were nicknamed “Hitler” dimes?

There are examples of Roosevelt dimes from the 1950s that have a small die break on the upper lip that resembles Hitler’s mustache.

Why are there design differences on the 1982 nickels?

The master hub for the Jefferson reverse broke in April 1982. A new master hub was made for both circulation and proof dies. The old dies showed blurred and rounded outlines of the building. The new dies had sharp and distinct outlines. On the old dies, Monticello’s second step from the bottom was in higher relief, but it’s normal on the new dies.

What were the issue prices for the Centennial medals of 1876?

The small gilt sold for $1, and the large bronze cost $2. In coin silver the price was $3, and a large gilt version was $5. The set came in a special case for $11. The official medals bear the words, “Act of Congress, June, 1874” or “By Authority of the Congress of the U.S.”

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